Unions have expressed shock at plans to close a Dunlop tyre factory with the loss of more than 240 jobs.

Officials said the company had only recently held talks about relocating from its Birmingham plant to another site in the area.

Unite regional officer Andy Taylor said: "We are shocked and dismayed at the announcement made today of the closure of Dunlop Motorsports with the loss of 241 jobs.

"Just four days ago they committed, at a meeting convened by Business Secretary Vince Cable with the support of Birmingham City Council, to seriously investigate the possibility of relocation in the Birmingham area.

"Unite will not accept the company walking away from its commitments or its obligations to fully consult the workforce on this decision and will be looking to challenge and change the decision."

GMB officer Dominic Hinks said: "We are devastated at the announcement made today by Goodyear to move their Motor Sport business to France and Germany.

"Only a couple of days ago the company met with local MP Jack Dromey and Vince Cable and agreed to consider in detail alternative sites in Birmingham and in particular Aston. I am at a loss to understand how those options could have been explored in detail over such a short period of time.

"GMB asked the company over 18 months ago to commit to keeping their Motor Sport business in Birmingham if they were forced to move off its current Erdington site. Despite their promises that relocating in Birmingham was an option it is clear that the company have been disingenuous with us and more importantly its loyal workforce.

"We will now seek an urgent meeting with the company to discuss this announcement in more detail.

"We will make sure the company meets all its legal obligations on the decision to shut the Erdington site."